Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur is celebrating her 33rd birthday today (August 1) and it is the best day to look back at her amazing journey, from starting out on TV as a second lead to having a successful career in both Hindi and South Indian movies.
Mrunal started her acting career with television and was seen in Mujhse Kuchh Kehti…Yeh Khamoshiyaan but it was her role of second lead Bulbul in the hit show Kumkum Bhagya, that made her a household name.
However, Mrunal decided to steer clear of television and pursue her career in Bollywood. She is back on Hindi cinemas with Son Of Sardaar 2, which released on her birthday.
In the review of Son Of Sardaar 2, our reviewer writes, 'Mrunal Thakur as Rabia is refreshing. She plays her bold, no-nonsense character with confidence, and her scenes with Ajay Devgn have an easy rhythm.'
TV Journey (From 2012–2016)
Mrunal made her debut on TV with Mujhse Kuchh Kehti...Yeh Khamoshiyaan (2012). Post that she came known as Bulbul (younger sister to Sriti Jha's character) in Kumkum Bhagya, a role she played from 2014–2016.
Mrunal's performance won her the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, which showed how magnetic and present she was on screen from the start.
A deliberate shift from TV to movies - Marathi to Bollywood
It was in the In year 2014, Mrunal made her first appearance in Marathi movies like 'Vitti Dandu' and 'Hello Nandan'. However, it was Love Sonia (2018) that garnered her attention in the Hindi film industry. She played the title role in the movie. Love Sonia didn't do well at the box office, but it did make her a significant actor in Bollywood.
Later she was seen in two big commercial hits of 2019 - Super 30 with superstar Hrithik Roshan and then Batla House with John Abraham. Both movies did well at the box office and solidified her place in Bollywood.
Mrunal explored varied formats with streaming films. She was seen in Netflix’s Ghost Stories (as Ira), the boxing drama Toofaan, and then a thriller Dhamaka. She also appeared in music videos, which showcased her adaptability and range.
Focus on South Cinema
While Mrunal was doing well in Bollywood, she left everyone surprised with her decision to work in south Indian movies. Her Telugu debut Sita Ramam (2022) opposite Dulquer Salmaan marked a career-defining moment.
Despite early hesitation, which she herself confessed - might be her 'first and last Telugu film' due to language barriers, she was welcome in the industry with open arms. It was her co-star Dulquer Salmaan’s encouragement that led her to embrace the South industry. The film emerged as a sleeper hit, and she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Telugu).
Next Mrunal was seen Hi Nanna (2023) opposite Nani. Her performance earned her praise from fans and critics alike.
Return to Bollywood with Son of Sardaar 2
Mrunal returns to Bollywood with her latest movie, Son of Sardaar 2, where she plays Rabia opposite Ajay Devgn, diving into Punjabi culture.
Originally scheduled for July 25, 2025, the film has hit the theatres today on 1 August 2025 coinciding with her 33rd birthday.
It is set to clash at the box office with Dhadak 2, making her return even more high-profile.
Looking ahead, Mrunal is also shooting for her next Telugu movie with Adivi Shesh in Dacoit. The actress is busy shooting for the movie.
Fans can expect more versatile projects ahead from comedies and dramas to romantic epics anchored by her ever-expanding ambition and skill.
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